Hazing

Hazing

Princeton Theological Seminary Policies Prohibiting Hazing

Hazing is illegal and prohibited under the Seminary Code of Student Conduct.

Hazing comes in many forms, including physical, emotional, psychological, and financial. 

Hazing is defined as acts associated with the membership initiation process into a student organization. Princeton Theological Seminary also is aware of the federal and state law which include definitions of hazing. Princeton Theological Seminary complies with all applicable laws. For purposes of the Princeton Theological Seminary reporting in the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report, Princeton Theological Seminary will use the federal law definition of hazing.

If you believe that you, or someone else, is in immediate danger, call 9-1-1. 

The Seminary strongly encourages students to seek medical assistance for themselves or for anyone else who is dangerously under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

It is important for others to act and prevent hazing by:

• Learning to recognize hazing and reporting what you see. Does someone’s behavior seem different? Are they falling asleep in class? Are they bruised? Are they never around?
• Resisting anyone who encourages you to join hazing activities. If something seems like hazing, it probably is. If there are conditions put on someone becoming part of your group, it is probably not something you want to be a part of.
• Notifying police and appropriate seminary staff if you are aware of a potential incident. Hazing is a potential crime. It is also potentially dangerous for everyone involved. Too often we have seen small incidents escalate into something larger and more lethal. If you see something that looks like an incident, report it.

Princeton Theological Seminary encourages anyone who believes they are being hazed, or who otherwise has knowledge of a hazing incident, to report the incident to the Office of Student Life. Reports can be emailed to StudentLife@ptsem.edu  . When submitting the report, please be as detailed as possible and include any supporting information where applicable (photos, screenshots, recordings, names, etc.). The Seminary will maintain confidentiality to the extent possible, to protect those who expose acts of hazing. Reports or concerns about hazing can be submitted anonymously 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Incidents can also be reported to the Princeton Theological Seminary Office of Public Safety at (609) 497-7777.

Individuals can also call the National Anti-Hazing Hotline 1-888-NOT-HAZE (668-4293)

Resources and Education

Princeton Theological Seminary encourages all community members to educate themselves on hazing prevention and makes resources available.  Various student organizations at Princeton Theological Seminary utilizes hazing prevention education, training and resources. 

All participants in student groups and organizations formally acknowledge their understanding of the anti-hazing policies, and a representative of every student group is required to attend specialized hazing prevention training. 

The Office of Public Safety mandates that anyone registered to join an organization complete a hazing acknowledgment statement. Student groups receive targeted training and messaging regarding the hazing policy and must submit a Hazing Compliance Form at the start of each academic year. Additionally, student group leadership is required to review the hazing policy with all members at the beginning of the year and with any potential new members during the new member education period. All members annually review the “Hazing Awareness and Prevention for Students” video, created and provided the Office of Public Safety, to reinforce their understanding of these policies. 

The Office of Public Safety offers bystander intervention training to help students step up and intervene when they are witnessing hazing or other harmful behaviors on campus. 

Resources from the Hazing Prevention Network  , a national nonprofit dedicated to empowering people to prevent hazing are available to student organizations. Their goal is to educate people about the dangers of hazing, advocate for change, and engage the community in strategies to prevent hazing. They offer resources for institutions of higher education and their students regarding hazing prevention and education.

The Anti-Hazing Education program   was developed in partnership with the Max Gruver Foundation   in an effort to educate high school- and college-aged students on the dangers and consequences of hazing. The materials focus on recognizing and responding to hazing, while presenting real-life consequences for poor decisions. 

Materials from the Gordie Center focus on ending hazing and substance misuse among college and high school students nationwide, are available. The Gordie Center offers numerous resources for hazing prevention and education.